Giving Thanks Daily and Early Black Friday Sales

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!! As I sit here drinking my new favorite Starbucks concoction (cafe misto, with soy, vanilla and a pump of pumpkin spice) and scrolling through my favorite blogs, I am reading a lot of thoughts and sentiments on being grateful. I love the idea that everyone is reminded of words like "grateful" and "thankful" on this holiday, and I would like to encourage my friends and readers to challenge themselves to appreciate even the little positives day to day, everyday. We could all benefit from occasionally screening our day for what is going right or what we can appreciate in any given moment. Maybe it is arriving safely to your destination, appreciating someone sharing a smile, or witnessing a rainbow on your way home (I saw a lovely one yesterday on my walk home). As we all propel ourselves during a busy and what can be stressful holiday season, taking time to notice what is going well, or what we can appreciate goes a long way in changing our mindset. Ok enough couch time...

Speaking of busy holiday season, the sales are starting early this year and there are some great ones! Like so great I was shopping at 3am the other night and I am now almost done with Christmas shopping. For the past 2 seasons I am embracing the online and early shopping trend. It feels great to have everything done so you can truly enjoy the holidays.

I think the J.Crew sale is my favorite surprise so far with 40% off just about everything. I picked up this classic plaid shirt for some holiday parties and this lace pencil skirt which is amazing. I wear my excursion vests all the time and was super excited to scoop up this plaid tartan version. My favorite tissue turtlenecks are under $24 and I wear them all season under layers. J. Crew makes some of the best coats and this parka is no exception, now is the time to pull the plug on it if you are on the fence. My favorite gift ideas are these cashmere lined gloves I got last season and this great check and hounds tooth staple scarf.

I am also a huge fan of what J. Crew Factory has been putting out this season. I picked up this red blazer and plaid shirt for layering and I love the city coat for an affordable version (I have it in grey and may need to scoop up beige). My favorite Turtleneck sweater from last year is back in more colors and under $31. Also the cute animal intarsia sweaters are under $40 (I have the fox sweater), and perfect for layering under vests. My favorite wool sidewalk skirts are under $35 and perfect to pair with layers and boots. My favorite buffalo plaid scarf that I wore all over Seattle is under $25 and soo soft!

The Nordstrom sale was a nice surprise as well with many of my favorites and wish list items marked down. I have been waiting for these lace-up heels to go on sale and now they are an extra 20% off (under $52). This red sweater tunic (under $21) is in my cart and I already own the beige and love it. These fringe scarfs make perfect gifts and are around $10!! My Lucky brand booties are also marked down extra and are so comfy. These waterproof Ugg boots have been on my wishlist forever (c'mon Santa *fingers crossed*). My high gloss Hunter boots I wear all the time are price matched at $112 in the black and red, and Tory Burch boots are the lowest I have ever seen.

Ann Taylor is 50% off as well and I found some great Holiday party ideas like this fluted sleeve dress ( have the black) and this cold shoulder blouse for pairing with leather pants or skirts. I am loving these patent bow pumps for work or parties too! The petite sizes have always worked best for me at 5'3.

Old Navy I can't quit you... I am loving their selection of holiday pajamas this year, and I live in the pixie ankle pants for work and layer with these knit scarfs (I have emerald and pink). I have these short peacoats that get a lot of use and I love their active-wear like these leggings. I bought this tunic in green and it is perfect to layer over leggings with boots and a blanket scarf.

I hit Gap during our recent Seattle trip and found the best turtleneck swing dress (not yet available online) for layering that is actually thick (I bought green and grey). My favorite York Tote is 30% off at Tory Burch with code THANKS, which I have in red and a similar tote in cognac which goes with everything and holds it all.

J.Crew: 40% off your purchase with code HOLIDAYGap: 50% off everything with code TGIF50J.Crew Factory: 50-60% off of everythingModCloth: 20% off everything with code FRIDAY20, 30% off 100+ code FRIDAY30 Nordstrom: Up to 40% off and an extra 20% off sale itemsTory Burch: 30% off your purchase of $250 or more with code THANKSOld Navy: 50% off of almost everything discount applied at checkoutAnn Taylor: 50% off of everything with code CELEBRATEExpress: 50% off of everything and free shipping Macy's: extra 20% off and free shipping with $50 purchase us code THANKS

We just returned from our Seattle trip yesterday and are so tired that we are bucking tradition and going to a Thanksgiving buffet downtown today so that I don't have to cook and make a mess in my kitchen! Who knows! Maybe this will be our new "thing" since we don't live close to family. What is everyone else planning? Any unusual traditions today?